London: Former England star Paul Gascoigne
has been taken to hospital after a car crash in Newcastle.

Gascoigne, who played for Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and
Rangers among others in an illustrious career, needed
treatment but is said to be comfortable following the incident
yesterday in the city`s Quayside area.

The 43-year-old, who became a global star after his
performances at the 1990 World Cup, was a passenger in a car
which is believed to have left the road before hitting a
signpost.

Gascoigne`s injuries were described as "serious but not
life-threatening" and a 36-year-old woman has been arrested on
suspicion of drink driving.

A spokeswoman for Newcastle General Hospital said: "He`s
in hospital and he was brought in following a car accident.”

"We are not commenting further but he is in a comfortable
condition."

A Northumbria Police spokesman added: "A female driver
and two male passengers were taken to hospital with injuries
which were not described as life-threatening.

"A 36-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of
drink-driving and bailed pending further inquiries.”

"The condition of the two men in hospital has been
described as serious but not life-threatening. The woman has
been discharged."

Since quitting football in 2004, Gascoigne has been
blighted by drink problems and was arrested twice in two days
for alcohol-related crimes in February.

He will stand trial in late July accused of driving while
more than four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Gascoigne pleaded not guilty to the drink-driving charge
and also denied driving without insurance during his recent
appearance before magistrates in North Yorkshire.